The Brighton Marathon

The Brighton Marathon is a firm favourite on the UK marathon scene

Located just over 50 miles south of central London it's a great option for those that don't get an entry in the London Marathon as it's held at a similar time, in April, every year. The course is nice and flat and there's plenty of support on the streets. Definitely a great option if you're looking for a northern hemisphere Spring marathon.

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Brighton

Brighton, in the UK county of Sussex and with a population of around 150,000, spreads over the chalk slopes of the South Downs to the north. To the east it is fronted by chalk cliffs, and to the west it merges with the residential borough of Hove. In 2000 the unitary authority of Brighton and Hove was granted city status. With fantastic transport links and a variety of world-class hotels and venues all within walking distance of each other, Brighton combines a coastal location with a unique city atmosphere. It's under an hour by rail from London and 30 minutes from London Gatwick Airport. Everything is within walking distance with thousands of hotel rooms close to major Brighton conference centres and venues. It's renowned for its fascinating shopping areas, diverse cultural, music and arts scene, and its large LGBTQ+ population, leading to its title of the ‘unofficial gay capital of Britain’.

There’s even a Royal Palace (more on that later), built as a monument to decadence and proof that the city has been at the forefront of entertainment and hospitality for over 200 years. Brighton was for many centuries nothing more than a tiny fishing port with its houses of black flint, including the Lanes, now known for antique shops. Brighton now has more than 7 miles (11 km) of seafront above its pebbly beach. East of the Palace Pier the first electric railway in the UK carried tourists in open coaches. There is a major theatre and racecourse and plenty of major events annually.

History of the Brighton Marathon

The first Brighton Marathon took place on 18 April 2010. The inaugural Brighton Marathon was set up by former international athlete Tim Hutchings and local athlete Tom Naylor. The race opened to 12,000 entries, with 7,589 participating on race day. The route took in some of the sights of central Brighton, starting at Preston Park, before heading East towards Rottingdean. Runners then headed west out to and around Hove, before heading back to Brighton seafront and finishing on Madeira Drive, close to the Pier. A year later the number of runners increased by 500 and the profile of the event increased significantly. The introduction of the charity programme further increased runner numbers and by 2012 entry numbers had increased to 18,000. With the awarding of the Bronze label by the world athletics governing body Brighton was accepted as the UK's number two marathon after London.

Numbers increased steadily over the next few years, with more overseas runners targeting the race. More events were added by the organised company, Grounded Events, but in 2020 and 2021 the pandemic hugely impacted the race. In 2022 London Marathon Events took over and are working with Brighton & Hove City Council on the next stages of the event's development.

Race Organiser

London Marathon Events now organise the event under licence from Brighton & Hove City Council.

When?

The race is held annually in April.

Distances

Marathon and 10k. There is a children's mile event the day before.

Is there an Expo?

There has been an expo at the event many times. but with the change in ownership this may change going forwards. We'll keep you updated here.

How many runners?

In 2025 there were just over 12,500 entrants, across the marathon and 10k distances.

Course

The 2023 Brighton Marathon started at Preston Park at 9.45 am, with runners heading to Withdean, looping back to Preston Park (mile 3) and heading to the city on London Road. It's then past the Pavilion at mile 5, and then another loop north towards Elm Grove and back. Take time to absorb the splendour of the Royal Pavilion; it's a course highlight. In 1783 the Prince of Wales visited Brighton for the first time and he left a lasting legacy. His many visits inspired the Regency architecture that is prevalent throughout the area. The Pavilion designed in an Indian style, with Chinese inspiration internally, now houses a museum and art gallery, while the Dome, originally the royal stables, is used for concerts and conferences.

From mile 8 it's a long out and back, east along the coast, past Brighton Marina to Ovingdean and Rottingdean. The Marina is the largest marina in the UK and there's plenty more to it than just boats. There's an 8 screen cinema, 26- lane bowling alley, glow in the dark golf, casino, and plenty of shops. At mile 17 you run past the finish area at Hove Lawns, at the start of two more out and back loops. The first takes you to Portslade, a 16th Century village, back to Hove Lawns and the second loop is to Hove Lagoon and back to Hove Lawns for the finish.

What's unique?

As with any major town or city being closed to traffic on marathon day you have the chance to explore Brighton in a way you don't get on any other day.

Do charities benefit?

There is a significant charity programme at this event. More than 130 charities, both local and national offer guaranteed entries and also encourage runners with their own entries to raise money for them. Charities purchase a programme from the organisers and then get exposure on the event website and within newsletters and social media.

Our verdict

It's a London Marathon Events company event so you know it will be well organised.

How to register

Online via the website. Entries are unlikely to sell out but will close a few weeks before the event. There are guaranteed entries available from official charities and some tour operators do have entries available.

Race website

https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/